Jordan Hill will be developed as a center

One immediate thought when you watch Jordan Hill is how ferociously he gets after the ball. Rebounds, challenging shots and even loose balls, Hill is active. Now, in three summer league practices so far, it's obvious his legs aren't quite under him so the explosion isn't quite there. He should be playing above the rim and we haven't seen that aspect. His post moves are raw and he is hesitant with the ball. The shot is flat (again, attributed to the legs). But the Knicks have seen enough with the 6-10 1/2 Hill to believe he can eventually grow into being a "center" in Mike D'Antoni's system. His mid-range game, quickness and ability to run are the reasons why they want to develop him as such rather than as a power forward. The belief is that Hill can pull opposing bigs out to the perimeter and either shoot his jumper or blow by them with his quickness. I think that aspect of his game (putting the ball on the floor) certainly needs to improve before that becomes a legitimate part of his skill set. But he's young. Hill can move well though and should pick up the high pick-and-roll play quickly. Once he gets some bounce back in his legs (by training camp), he can get some easy baskets and his activity around the backboard and ability to get up the floor will be an asset. It'll be interesting to see him go up against 7-4 Hasheem Thabeet in the Knicks summer league opener on Tuesday against the Grizzlies. * * * * - Eddy Curry is expected to be at the evening practice tonight. He will meet with Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni and then it is up to him if he wants to work out by himself with strength coach Greg Brittenham on the sideline or join in with the summer league team on the main court. Walsh and D'Antoni want to see his progress. Everyone does. Follow me on twitter for some initial observations. * - Jimmy Goldstein, the heralded NBA superfan, attended the morning practice and sat next to Donnie Walsh. The two of them are from the same generation and yet by appearance seem to be from separate universes. Nice man, though (talking of Jimmy). And loves to talk hoop. * - So Steve Nash is expected to be here in Vegas this week to meet with Steve Kerr and discuss terms of a contract extention with the Suns. Would it be rude for Nash to ask Kerr if they could meet at the New York, New York hotel and casino? * - Huge electronic billboard outside the Wynn's Encore hotel promoting Beyonce's upcoming run of shows there later this month. It's a traffic-stopper: Photo credit: Encore Las Vegas